of Canada has flourished through its con- but their social condition was much more miseranexion with our settlements in the States; ble, and the treatment they received from their the market of New Zealand will excite theow in the later Saxon times appears to have lords more harsh. The personal treatment of the production in Australia. The uttermost been far more mild than that of the same class on portions of the earth are our inheritance; the continent. In France, and particularly in Norlet us not throw it away in mere supineness, or in deference to the wise conclusions of those sages of the discouraging school, who, had they been listened to, would have checked, one by one, all the enterprises which have changed the face of the world in the last thirty years.

MISCELLANY.

mandy, the villans-for that is the name by which they were designated-were subjected to the greatest indignities, which drove them into frequent insurrections at the latter end of the tenth and earlier part of the eleventh century. In revenge, their masters slaughtered them by hundreds, and treated them with the greatest atrocities. The Normans brought their hatred and contempt of the peasantry into England, and soon rendered useless all the laws and customs which had previously afforded them some protection. In addition to this, the villans, or peasants, were now loaded with oppressive and galling taxes, and services to their lords. Mr. Wright observed further, that the Norman masters not only looked upon the peasantry as a conquered and inferior race, but, what was very remarkable, they who in Normandy had deserted their own language to ENGLISH PEASANTRY IN THE MIDDLE AGES.-adopt that of their slaves, in England looked with Mr. Thomas Wright, Esq., F. S. A., stated that the contempt and disdain on the language which was agricultural population among the Anglo-Saxons, nearly that of their own forefathers. The position which he compared with the Roman coloni, were a of the English peasantry appears to have been different race from the free men; that they were most degenerated in the latter half of the twelfth the remains of the conquered people who had occu- century. pied the parts of Europe which were subdued by He stated that manumission was less frequent the Saxon and other Germanic tribes. When the among the Anglo-Normans than it had been with Saxons came to England, they brought with them the Anglo-Saxons; and gave some instances in their agricultural population, which, becoming here which it had been reversed, and freed-men reduced mixed with the conquered Britons in different pro- into slavery. On the whole, the serfs or villans in portions in differents parts of the island, was one of England were in a worse condition than the Roman the causes of subsequent difference of dialect. The coloni. They were robbed without mercy by their common name of the peasant among the Anglo-lords; could not be admitted into trades,—at least, Saxons was theow, which means a bondman. Various instances were adduced, showing the degraded position of the Anglo-Saxon theows. There was originally no law which interfered between the lord of the soil and his theows, who were therefore exposed to all kinds of outrage and injustice. After the introduction of Christianity, the clergy continually exerted themselves to ameliorate their condition; and hence a few laws were from time to time enacted for their protection. This class among the Anglo-Saxons was constantly receiving on one side accession to its numbers, while, on the other, it was diminished by manumission. There were different means by which a free man became a theow: sometimes he sold himself to obtain a living, when no other means were left, or to obtain the protection of a master against his personal enemies. It was the punishment of various crimes to condemn the offender to bondship. A free father had the right of selling his children under a certain age, which appears to have been a common practice. Amid the turbulence of unsettled times, men were often betrayed into slavery by their enemies, or by persons who made a profit by the sale. Mr. Wright gave several examples of manumission from contemporary manuscripts, which afford a curious illustration of the state of society. One of the strongest incitements to manumission was piety many instances were pointed out of theows set free for the love of God. A theow sometimes saved money to buy the freedom of himself and his family. A freeman bought the freedom of a theow woman previous to contracting marriage with her. And sometimes a lord set free some of his theows, from motives of gratitude. The legal position of the servile class appears to have changed little in the period following the entry of the Normans;

:

craftsmen were cautious of taking them apprentices, lest they should be reclaimed by their lords; nor yet as scholars. The Norman troubadours were unmeasured in their satire and abuse of the oppressed villans; but at length their cause was triumphantly vindicated by the author of Piers Ploughman. The insurrection of the rustic popu lation in the reign of Richard II. was very pervading, but was at length suppressed with great severities; and the condition of the serfs was scarcely relieved until the expiration of another century.-Gentleman's Mag.

REV. SYDNEY SMITH AND THE AMERICANS.-The Rev. Sydney Smith, who it seems is one among the innumerable sufferers by the bad faith of the repudiating States of the American Union, has published an address to the Congress at Washington, in which he sets forth in peculiarly forcible language the infamy and fatal consequences of such conduct, not only in a pecuniary, but in a moral and political sense. This address is better calculated than any thing which has yet appeared to touch the pride of the great mass of the population in America-the middle classes, through whom, if at all, such a change in public opinion is to be brought about, as will ultimately produce the desired objects, of payment to the suffering British creditors, and the restoration of the American character. This document adopts the common error of addressing the Congress of the Union, instead of that of the particular State by whose bad faith the writer has suffered; but otherwise the sentiments it contains are worthy of being selected as texts for lectures and popular discourses all over the United States, of which the people are so fond, and which neces

sarily possess so much influence over them. If been done, the callous immorality with which ever the cry of "agitate, agitate, agitate," may with propriety be heard from the mouths of the friends of order and of social happiness, this is the instance, and the American States the proper arena for it. The following is the address referred to :

should be given each session, including fifty meet- |sic, the dissatisfaction with Judaism, resulting from ings in each year, to all of which the members the conviction that it is in vain any longer to look should have free admission. Distinguished foreign for the advent of the Messiah, is seen developing travellers visiting London only for a short period itself in another manner; and the determination of would be invited to join the institution without the Jews to allow their children to be instructed in cost. Resolutions approving of the plans suggested Christianity reminds us of a precisely similar case were proposed, after the delivery of long speeches, mentioned by Mr. Grant, in his interesting work on by Lord Brougham, Lord D. Stuart, and a number the "Nestorian Christians," respecting the Jews of of other gentlemen. In the course of Lord Dudley Ooroomiah, a large city on the western borders of Stuart's speech, while eulogizing Mr. Buckingham's Persia. experience as a traveller and an author, and suggesting that that gentleman should be appointed "resident director" of the institute, an amusing little dialogue occurred, which is given verbatim : A gentleman who was seated in the centre of the room interrupted Lord Stuart, and asked in a very loud tone of voice whether Mr. Buckingham had not, in his book on Palestine, used Lord Valentia's plates?

The gentleman who had originally put the question said he understood sufficiently what "no" meant, and asked his lordship whether he did?— (Laughter and confusion.)

Lord Brougham (passionately): Why, the man is mad-(Laughter). Do you hear, sir? You put a question, and we say "no;" that is your answer, -no; can you understand that? No! I say no.

The former speaker: I am very glad to hear it. Lord Brougham (angrily): We don't care whether you are or not-(Laughter).

The storm having then subsided,

The Chairman said he was authorized by Mr. Buckingham most distinctly and emphatically to deny that he had ever used the plates alluded to.

The Universal German Gazette states that a new Jewish sect has been formed at Leipsic, under the auspices of a Dr. Creiznach, and makes the following remarks on the event:-"Highly interesting is it to inquire into the origin of this sect, which clearly and openly abandons the doctrines of Judaism, without, however, adopting those of Christianity. It will be seen that a long struggle preceded this event, and that political causes had their Lord Brougham, who sat next the chairman, and share of influence. The new Jews, it is well known, Mr. Buckingham, simultaneously replied, "No." have already for a long time neither kept the preThe gentleman having still looked rather skeptic-scriptions of the Talmud, nor the laws of the Old ally, Lord Brougham, in a very angry and loud Testament. Not 500 out of the 6000 Jewish inhabitone, reiterated, "No, I say no; do you understand tants here live according to Jewish laws, and that that?-(Laughter.) You have got your answer. small number only because they are compelled to Mr. Buckingham says no, too- -(Laughter.) What do so from personal, not conscientious motives. more do you want?-(Laughter.) No, no, no; do They even pay men to attend the synagogue, so you understand that?"-(Laughter.) that there, at least, a sufficient number is present for reading prayers. The best, therefore, the Jews could do is to adopt Christianity in a body. But, in doing so, they have to swear to forms of creed in which they have no faith. Let people say or think what they please, but a man who speaks candidly what he thinks, certainly deserves more esteem than he who simulates a creed in which he does not believe. From these motives they formed a separate sect, which obliges the members to have their children christened and educated in the doctrines of Christianity, without their parents becoming Christians themselves. This idea we think is the best and most honest, but it nevertheless meets with opposition from persons where it was least to be expected. Late measures also, in regard to converted Jews, had great influence upon this step. Look,' they would say, the Christians do not want us as converted Jews; they do not call us Christians, but they continue to give the former appellation; let us, therefore, much rather remain Christian Jews, such as the gospels are speaking of.' This is the base upon which the sect is founded, and declarations are now arriving MOVEMENT AMONG THE JEWS IN GERMANY-from all quarters in favor of it, as well as against it. No one accustomed to take any interest in the The Jews in Austria would adopt this new dochistory of the Jews can have failed to remark the trine en masse, but they are afraid that it would indications which have lately occurred that events make their political situation worse. De Creiznach is of great importance connected with the future des- exactly the man to direct a matter of this kind. He tiny of this "peculiar" people are being rapidly has zeal and energy, and as to classical education evolved. Besides those who have openly avowed and learning he is probably the first among the their faith in the Messiahship of our Divine Re- German Jews. His literary acquirements are aldeemer, we have reason to believe that there are most as incredible as his extraordinary memory, great numbers who are only deterred from taking and with all this he is a thorough patriot, and such a step by the fear of the persecution and pov-highly esteemed everywhere. But whether this erty to which they would be exposed by so doing There has been, however, an extensive movement in the Jewish body, which has not subjected the actors in it to such pains and penalties, but which may fairly be regarded as preparing the way for more decided and gratifying measures. The event to which we refer is the determination to which many of the Jews on the Continent, as well as in England, have come, to throw off the authority of the Talmud-the traditions of the elders-and to adhere solely to the writings of Moses and the prophets. In the extract which follows, and which is taken from the Universal German Gazette of Leip

The resolutions were then adopted, and a long list of officers appointed. The "institute" may now, therefore, be considered as established, as Mr. Buckingham will be entrusted to carry the plan into execution, and the committee will only have to raise the necessary funds.-Britannia.

sect will spread excessively is a great question."— Bell's Weekly Messenger.

SILK PORTRAITS.-Portraits of the Duchess of Kent and the Duke of Wellington, formed alone of black and white silk, the shades of which are drawn out so as to effect very exact likenesses, have recently been presented to those illustrious personages by a committee of weavers, which was established for promoting the improvement of British silks. The committee has also in progress a portrait of the Queen Dowager, composed of similar materials.-Court Journal.

OBITUARY.

MR. MORRIT.-We are sorry to have to announce the death of Mr. J. B. S. Morrit, of Rokeby-park, Yorkshire, who died on the 12th inst., after a lin

JOHN MURRAY, Esq.-On Tuesday morning, a few minutes past eight o'clock, this eminent pub-gering illness, in the 72nd year of his age. He was lisher and bookseller breathed his last; having been in but indifferent health for several months, but only alarmingly ill from the Friday preceding. Mr. Murray would have been sixty-five if he had lived to November next. His situation in the literary world has long been most prominent; and there is hardly one author of high reputation, either now living or dead within the last quarter of a century, who has not enjoyed his intimacy and regard. With the majority his social intercourse was most gratifying, and his liberality towards their public undertakings such as merited their esteem and gratitude. It is too early a day to dilate upon even his good qualities. That he was warm-hearted and generous will be allowed by all who ever knew him; whilst those who had the pleasure of a more genial acquaintance with him, will long remember his lively conversation, and the ready humor which often set the table in a roar. He was, indeed, on such occasions, a very agreeable companion, and his ready wit was only an indication of the acuteness and judgment which he carried into his professional concerns. His clear mind in this respect AN EXPEDITION TO THE CAUCASUS is about to led him to enterprises of great pith and moment; be undertaken, at the expense of the King of Prusand we owe to it some of the most celebrated works sia, by Prof. Koch, the Asiatic traveller, and Dr. in our language. He originally began business Rose. Their instructions are to commence their about forty years ago in Fleet-street, nearly oppo- researches at Trebisond, to trace to their sources site old St. Dunstan's giant-guarded clock, and then in the high lands of Erzerum, the Western Eusucceeded Mr. Miller in Albemarle-street. Among phrates, the Araxes, and the Tschorock. From his earliest literary connexions were D'Israeli and thence they are to proceed to the second high lands W. Gifford; and in later years, Scott, Southey, of Armenia, and so on to the ruins of Ani. They Moore, Byron, Barrow, Lockhart, nearly all our il- are also to visit and examine the range of mounlustrious travellers, and authors in every branch of tains which connects in one unbroken line the publication. He was a true friend to the arts, ranges of the Caucasus and the Armenian Taurus. which he largely employed; and, in short, we may They are directed to investigate the question, as to sum up this brief notice by saying, that in all the whether there ever was a wall extending over the relations of society, few men will make a greater whole of the Caucasus, similar to the great wall of blank, or be more truly regretted, than John Mur-China. Prof. Koch will then proceed to the Tarray. Mr. M. has left a widow, we are sorry to hear, in very indifferent health, daughters, and a son and successor, who, we hope, will emulate the friendly and liberal traits of his father's character.-Literary

one of the earliest and most extensive Greek travellers of the present generation, and after_two years spent in the interesting countries of the East, he returned with a mind replete with classical information, and a taste for every liberal art. It was during his residence abroad that Bryant promulgated his fanciful theories on the site of Troy. On his return, with Chevalier and others, he entered keenly into the Trojan controversy, and became one of the most successful supporters of Homer, and able vindicators of his location of the Troad. His two dissertations are familiar to ever classical scholar, and went as far towards the settlement of that "vexata quæstio" as any of the productions of the period.-Times.

Gazette.

SCIENCE AND ARTS.

tarian Circassia, and the sources of the Kuban: he will also make an attempt to ascend the Elbrus, and examine the numerous monuments in the valleys of the Karatschai —Athenæum.

DR. HAHNEMANN, the founder of homœopathy, died at Paris on Sunday, 2d July, aged eighty-hibited two dogs under a degree of command which eight. The Commerce sketches his life

DOGS. Two years ago, we noticed the experiments of M. Leonard, in which that gentleman eximplied a higher development of faculties than had hitherto been witnessed. M. Leonard is here again, having in the interim, he informs us, tested his theories and the skill of his methods, by applying them to the education (if it may be so styled) of horses; and he is now anxious to go, step by step,

those whom it may interest, with the view of promulgating principles which he believes capable of general application. We must add, that M. Leonard appears anxious not to be confounded with those who exhibit tricks for pecuniary profit; his desire apparently being, to bring what he conceives an important discovery before some of the scientific bodies, for philanthropic purposes.—Ibid.

"Dr. Hahnemann was born in 1755, at Meissen, of poor parents; and owed his education to the great aptitude for learning he gave evidence of at the little school where he was first placed. He was received doctor in physic at Heidelberg in 1781, and discovered in 1790 the new system which he after-through his process of training, in the presence of wards designated homeopathy. He continued until 1820 his experiments and researches on his new system, and then published the results of his labors under the title of Matiere Medicale Pure. In 1829 he published his Theory of Chronic Diseases, and their Remedies; of which he gave a second edition in 1840. To those works must be added his Organon de l'Art de Guerir, which ran through five editions. He also published nearly 200 Dissertations on different medical subjects; and he did all this whilst occupied with patients, which took up from ten to twelve hours a day. He had the satisfaction of seeing his system, after half a century's existence, spread over every part of the globe; and just before his death he learned that homeopathy was about to have a chair at the University of Vienna, and hospitals in all the Austrian States, at Berlin, and at London."-Spectator.

“A statement of Experiments showing that Carbon and Nitrogen are compound bodies, and are made by Plants during their growth." By R. Rigg, Esq.-The author, finding that sprigs of succulent plants, such as mint, placed in a bottle containing perfectly pure water, and having no communication with the atmosphere except through the medium of water, or mercury and water, in a few weeks grow to more than double their size, with a proportionate

increase of weight of all the chemical elements | had no effect in diminishing the motion of the which enter into their composition, is thence dis-waves, for they were many times abundantly sprinposed to infer that all plants make carbon and kled with the spray. It is unnecessary to add, that nitrogen; and that the quantity made by any plant those who remained on land had remarked nothing varies with the circumstances in which it is placed. at all which could be attributed to the effusion of the oil. After all that has been said and written at the negative result of their experiments, and, limon this subject, the Commissioners are astonished iting themselves to the account of them, they add ever, authorized to assert, as their personal opinion, no observations. They believe themselves, howthat the idea of protecting our piers by means of oil, is not a happy one.-Athenæum.

ELECTROTYPE.-At the last meeting of the Horticultural Society, some beautiful specimens of the application of the Electrotype process to vegetation were exhibited by Messrs. Elkington, of RegentUpon the surface of leaves a deposit of copper was thrown down, so as to form a perfect representation in metal of the surface of the foliage. Since that time we have been favored by Messrs. Elkington with a sight of other leaves coated with gold and silver as well as copper. Among these were a Pelargonium-leaf, having all its glandular hairs preserved with admirable precision; an ear of Wheat; a leaf of Fennel; a Fern, with its fructification; a shoot of the Furze-bush, and an insect, (a Carabus) with every part of it encrusted with the metalic deposit. In our opinion this opens quite a new view and most interesting field to the application of the Electrotype process.-Gardeners' | 1.—The Rambles of the Emperor Ching Tih, in Chronicle.